What is Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)? Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but serious brain infection caused by a microscopic amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba lives in warm freshwater like lakes, rivers, hot springs, and sometimes in poorly treated swimming pools. How Does Infection Occur? The infection happens when water containing the amoeba […]
What is Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)? Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but usually fatal brain infection caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba is found naturally in warm freshwater environments like lakes, hot springs, rivers, and poorly maintained swimming pools. PAM affects the brain and the membranes surrounding it (meninges), causing
🧠 Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurological condition that affects the spinal cord, causing sudden muscle weakness and paralysis—especially in children. It resembles polio but is caused by different viruses, primarily non-polio enteroviruses. 🧬 Causes: 🩺 Symptoms: AFM often starts like a viral illness and progresses rapidly:
☠️ Botulism Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It can lead to muscle paralysis and potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties. 🧬 Causes & Types: 🩺 Symptoms: Common to all forms: In infants: 🔍 Diagnosis: 💊 Treatment: ⚠️ Complications: 🧼 Prevention:
Diaphragmatic inflammation, also called diaphragmitis, is a rare condition involving inflammation of the diaphragm muscle. Because the diaphragm is central to breathing, inflammation can cause chest pain, breathing difficulties, and referred pain (especially to the shoulder or upper abdomen). 🔬 What Is Diaphragmatic Inflammation? 🔍 Causes of Diaphragmatic Inflammation 🔹 Infectious 🔹 Autoimmune / Inflammatory
🧠 Cerebrovascular Disease Cerebrovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood flow to the brain, leading to events like stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). 🧬 Causes: 🩺 Symptoms: 🔍 Diagnosis: 💊 Treatment: ⚠️ Complications:
🧠 Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak A cerebrospinal fluid leak occurs when the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord escapes through a tear or hole in the dura mater (the protective membrane). 🧬 Causes: 🩺 Symptoms: 🔍 Diagnosis: 💊 Treatment: ⚠️ Complications:
Carotid Artery Disease is a serious condition where the carotid arteries, located on each side of the neck, become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). 🧠 What Are Carotid Arteries? ⚠️ What Is Carotid Artery Disease? 🩺 Symptoms Often no symptoms until a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) occurs. Signs of TIA (Transient Ischemic
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a serious condition resulting from trauma or disease that disrupts the spinal cord’s function. These injuries are classified based on severity, location, and the extent of neurological impairment. Here’s an overview: 🧠 Classification by Severity 1. Complete SCI 2. Incomplete SCI 📍 Classification by Injury Level The location of the
The spinal cord contains various neural pathways, or tracts, that facilitate communication between the brain and the body. These tracts are categorized into ascending (sensory) pathways and descending (motor) pathways, each serving distinct functions. 🧠 Ascending (Sensory) Pathways These pathways transmit sensory information from the body to the brain, enabling perception of touch, pain, temperature,
